BRE UK has signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of Chile.

Above: Fiona Clouder

The agreement builds on earlier work between BRE and Chile, including with IDIEM, a research and development centre that carries out testing and quality control materials used in public works in Chile.

The MOU sets out new collaboration opportunities. “We look forward to the development of new low carbon solutions, research links and innovative products for the sustainable construction sector in Chile as a result of this MOU collaboration and future work between IDIEM, BRE and a number of key local stakeholders as part of the upcoming technological innovation centre on sustainable construction,” said the UK ambassador to Chile Fiona Clouder.

In announcing the agreement, she emphasised the importance of sustainable construction. “Over the last 15 years the UK has made substantial investment in energy and low carbon technology research, development and demonstration. This has created a strong foundation for low carbon solutions in buildings, electricity networks, renewable energy, waste and transport. In the big picture, these low carbon solutions are also paving the way for smarter cities and improved living environments. New advancements and innovative practices in sustainable construction are vital to the growth of future low carbon smart cities.”

She pointed to UK examples including the development of innovation parks that pilot sustainable building designs and the application of efficient building systems via building information modelling (BIM) technologies.

BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) began in 1990 as the world’s first sustainability assessment method for buildings and has been adapted and applied in over 70 countries and used to certify over 500,000 BREEAM developments globally.

“From 2013-2014 we were able to adapt the best practices, lessons learned and experiences related to sustainable construction in the UK to the Chilean context through the project ‘Code for Sustainable Homes in Chile’,” said Clouder. “This project, supported by the British Embassy Santiago’s Prosperity Fund, was implemented by BRE in collaboration with the Chilean Ministry of Housing. Through this collaboration we were able to develop the standards and references for Chile’s first sustainable construction code.”

She added: “It is great to see that the results and collaborations from this project remain sustainable not only through the Ministry of Housing’s sustainable construction strategy, but also through new collaboration opportunities set out between BRE and IDIEM from the University of Chile in the MOU that will be signed today.”